We must thank: the dozen Americorps young people who are serving for ten months, working on this site and other assignements. They are enthusiastic and wonderful. Not only did they build along side the Paterson group, they were also instrumental in preparing all the "pre-build" aspects beforehand, so that everything was ready for this past week's blitz build.
We thank those, not able to be in Mississippi, who gave support and encouragement to our group.
We loved having the homeowners, Keven and Jahna Landry, as they worked with us and shared the process.
The entire group of thirty from Paterson, of course, we thank. Kudos to all for their participation. And lastly, we thank our own executive director of Paterson Habitat, Barbara Dunn, for putting this together. It was good work. Good for the homeowners and also good for us. We left the area feeling rewarded by our efforts.
Barbara Dunn and husband Andy, show off the beautiful sign, painted this week by the teenagers. Signed on the cut-out of the state of New Jersey by everyone in our group, it will hang at Laginappe to identify our three years here, 2007, 2008 and 2009.Postings by Nancy DeVries and the teenagers.
9 comments:
It has been a priviledge to work with such a great group of people and to see what a difference we all can make. It had been two years since my last trip to the Gulf and it was rewarding to see the changes that are taking place. The area is gradually returning to normalcy for the residents-- there is even a movie theater that recently opened. FEMA trailers are now the exception and not the rule. There is still, however, much work left to be done and my family is looking forward to making a return trip.
Ruth Plucinski
Well said.
It was extraordinary this year to be building the 100th house in Hancock County, where Katrina made landfall. I just learned on this visit the awful statistic, that after the hurricane, 80% of the residences in the county were uninhabitable following the storm. Clearly a terrible number.
I think we are all proud to be making a difference there!
Nancy DeVries
I am so excited to read earlier blog posts to see the progression of your work. Great job!
I feel honored to have such wonderful people to come build my house for me and my family. I thank every one of you who came. Thank you so much for your contribution and compassion. Jahna Landry
To Nancy, teenagers and all.
Well done!! In an economy full of only bad news, it's a breath of fresh air to read and see what hard work, devotion and comraderie can accomplish. You have a right to feel pride and those of us who "see" what you do, feel it for and with you. Maybe you should send a rep to DC and teach them. Congratulations -- can't wait to see what you do next year.
From Nancy's friend, Ruth B
Jahna and Kevin:
Thank you for your thoughtful comment on this blog. We are all proud to have worked on your house and are honored to have met you both and your lovely children. We wish you well as you make this house your special home.
Nancy DeVries
to whom ever reads these blogs,
This is Kevin Landry, I wanted to thank every one that came to Mississippi in Feb. to help built our home. We can't wait to move in. Hopefully it will be soon. The kids are so happy they finally get their own rooms. Jahna and I can't thank you guys enough. You all are the best. Hope we can keep in contact with most of you. We have e-mail addresses if anyone cares to keep in touch with us.
Thank You Very Much,
The Landry's
Kevin:
Thanks for the comment on the blog. Everyone on our team is hoping that the moving-in day comes soon. Stay in touch through this blog. I'll check it from time to time.
Regards to your family,
Nancy DeVries
Hi Barbara! looks like everyone is having a great time! I was wondering if you would like an extra volunteer, I hear Vladymir is available! LOL ;)
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